‘Al-Mangour: Loved and Beloved’ Saudi Artist Showcases Hijazi Heritage in US

Esraa Elsheikh May 23, 2024

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Al-Mangour: Forgotten Hijazi Craft Revives Woodworking in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s US Ambassador, Princess Reema bint Bandar, opened “Al-Mangour: Loved and Beloved” exhibition on Wednesday in Washington, according to Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The Saudi Embassy and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have honorably organized the extraordinary exhibition that unveiled an exceptional work by Saudi Artist Ahmad Angawi.

The occasion marked the attendance of the IFC’s Director Makhtar Diop, remarkable officials, diplomats and several artists.

‘Al-Mangour: Loved and Beloved’ Saudi Artist Showcases Hijazi Heritage in US — Saudi Arabia’s US Ambassador, Princess Reema bint Bandar, opened “Al-Mangour: Loved and Beloved” exhibition on Wednesday in Washington.

“Al-Mangour: Loved and Beloved”.. Spiritual Connection

Held at IFC’s headquarters, the exhibition showcased the breathtaking beauty of Al-Mangour, the traditional Hijazi craft that consists of wooden latticework forming a mesh-like screen.

Al-Mangour: Loved and Beloved, (Asheg & Mashoug) describes the relationship between two halves strongly joined to create a formidable unit of one. This bond is an accurate physical realization embodying the spiritual connection between man and his heritage.

Long Journey to Discover Hidden Beauty

Ahmad Angawi has a long fruitful journey of analyzing and documenting the creation process of Al-Mangour. Angawi was fascinated by a strong belief that there are certain hidden aspects of Islamic geometry in forming this forgotten craft. Therefore, he devoted all his efforts to discovering the proportion concealed within the depths of Al-Mangour.

To enrich the Saudi cultural diversity, the event included musical performances traditional cuisine.

In her speech, Princess Reema stressed the significance of traditional arts in strengthening Saudi cultural identity, solidifying national heritage, and building bridges with other nations. The Princess underscored that the exhibition highlights the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance cultural and artistic exchange with the United States and the world. Bint Bandar expressed her gratitude to Angawi for his pivotal role in shedding light on the traditional crafts and developing the Hijazi heritage.